PS 3547 
.0473 
T4 

1922 
Copy 1 




Kbetiora 



A POEM 



YOUNG 




4 



A POEM 



YOUNG 



Cljeliora 



A DRAMATIC POEM 



Founded on an Old Spanish Romance 



By DUNCAN FRANCIS YOUNG 



^ 



1922 
NEW ORLEANS, LA. 






Copyright, 1922, by Duncan F. Young 



American Printing Co. Print 

g)CLA661325 



WAR 27 '22 



Cfjetiora 

Founded On an Old Spanish Romance 



Dramatis Personae. 

Thedora, the young widow of a wealthy old 
man. 

Mohican, a young man who had left his 
native State because of marital troubles. 

Mendoca, a suitor for Thedora's hand, and 
later a friend of Mohican. 

DePons, also a suitor for Thedora's hand. 

Mohabhid, a slave holder 

Doctor, Servants, Pirates. 



Canto One. 



As onward Don Mohican sped, 
A fateful love still in his breast, 

He thought : 'To mock my trust in her 
From out my heart I'll woman wrest." 

And he, so young and tall and strong. 
Forsaking country, friends and home. 

Had sought Valencia's broad highway — 
Avoiding heartaches hence he'd roam. 

He'd traveled long, and raced his steed ; 

His back he'd turned upon the past ; — 
The love which once had tortured him 

Was from his bosom being cast. 



Four T HE DOR A 

He'd reached a woodland's narrow way — 

A lady out her coach had stepped ; 
No veil concealed the charming face, 

Where lines denoted she had wept. 

"Oh, Lady Fair, I note thy woe, ^ | 

And beg to give mine aid to thee ;'* 

Then forward strode the handsome man 
The lady from distress to free. 

"Oh, Kind Unknown," the lady said; 

"Your offer I concede is kind ; 
Yes, come; avert that which I dread, 

And thus reheve my troubled mind." 

Canto Two. 

An hundred paces they traversed— 
In combat fierce two men were found ; 

Their clashing swords struck sparks of fire 
As each the other sought to wound. 

Then bold Mohican forward rushed ; 

He questioned sharply why they fought ; 
"0 Brave Unknown," one answered him, 

"With cheerless love our hearts are 
fraught ; 

"This lady's husband, rich and old, 
Had treated her much like a child ; 

He builded up a mansion high 

Beside the seaside lone and wild .... 



THE DORA Five 

** 'Twas there she lived in gorgeous style — - 
An old man's darling, happy bride; 

Though there she lingered but a day, 
Nor longer when her husband died .... 

'There had not been a husband's love : — 
Poetic love, for which hearts pine; 

His was, instead, a lavish hand, 

Which furnished money — dresses — wine. . 

"She loved her husband as a child ; — 

She was his star, his light, his life; — . . . . 

She was a girl — he, aged, hoar ; — 

She was a child, more like, than wife .... 

''My name is Don Mendoca, sir; 

And Alvaro de Pons stands there; — 
Thedora, who is by your side, 

The one for whom our lives we dare. 

"We're both in love with her, alas; 

But neither has her heart in turn ; 
Wherefore we've tried the one to slay 

That he who lived she'd cease to spurn." 

Canto Three. 

"Alack, my friends," Mohican cried ; 

"Your acts affront my lady fair; 
It soon will be proclaimed about 

You for this dame your arms did bare. 



Six THEDORA 

"Attend to me : now fight no more.** 
"What then?" Don Alvaro did ask. 

"Madame must say,** Mohican said. 
"I take,** said she, " *pon me the task.** 

"I swear,** cried Pons, "by all that*s just 
That to her choice 1*11 firmly yield.*' 

"I, too,** Mendoca then declared, 

"Shall keep the oath made *pon this field.*' 

"Though neither has my fondest love 
(For he who died still holds my heart) , 

I needs must make my choice,'* said she — 
"Mendoca, look : I ask thee part.** 

No sooner than these words she spoke 
When Pons unloosed his horse and fled ; 

Mendoca, mad with happiness, 

Before her knelt and bowed his head. — 

Reflecting back a heart of stone 

Through eyes that dimmed the dark blue 
sky, 
Thedora to Mendoca said: 

"I love thee not, yet thou mayst try.*' 

Canto Four. 

The three shook hands, then faced the road ; 

This led them to the country*s mart — 
And on the way was welded well 

A chord of love too strong to part. 



THE DORA 5f^ 

Though still the three, oft mystified, 
Came near to being bitt'rest foes, 

The sweets of life were left to soothe 
And light life's dark, impending woes. 

Canto Five. 

At Don Mendoca's city home 

The Host Mohican would detain ; 

Though he had wished to pass along. 
The bold young man must now remain. 

"I care not much," Mohican grants, 

"Where spendest I my misspent life." 

"What is it, friend?" Mendoca cried. 
"Is it your life's with mis'ry rife?" 

"Alas, good sir," Mohican owned ; 
"I early took to self a wife; 

My joy was then beyond compare- 
But happiness is short of life: — 

"A year or more of blissful love, 
Then Satan came upon the scene 

She gave to him a listening ear ^^ 

And suffered him her heart to wean. 

"I blame you not," Mendoca sighed; 

"Your suffering makes my heart full sore. 
He warmly pressed his hand and said 

"You must abide within my door." 



Eight THE DOR A 

"I'd joy in this," Mohican said, 
"For I have found in you a friend ; 

But I must soon away from here, 
For all Fve told is not the end." 

"I felt as much," his friend replied, 
"But feared to touch a tender spot; 

Yet still would I the story hear, 
Though I divine I know the plot." 

Mohican spoke with trembling voice : 
"I would to God 'twere not^o willed — 

It is a satisfaction, though — 

This trembling hand both victims killed." 

"Now, stronger is the tie, my friend, j 

Your mis'ry welds in me for you ; ( 

I troth my arm in your support," t 
Mendoca cried, "whate'er you do. 

"My uncle governs all this State; 

His pow'r is known both far and wide; 
To him I'll go and speak of you ; { 

I'll win his aid upon our side." 

"I thank you, friend, with all my heart; 

Such friendship we quite rarely meet ; — 
This is, indeed, a happy day." 

Mohican thus his friend did greet. 



THE DORA Nine 



Canto Six. 

'*And now,'* one day Mendoca cried, 
''Let us away to Lady Fair;" 

And arm in arm to visit her 

They go — this trusting, happy pair. 

:1< :IJ * * * 

Mendoca, charmed by his new friend. 
Could not forbear the fact to boast ; 

Thedora heard, and she was charmed, 
And to his health she drank a toast. 

Mendoca sought his suit to press 

(Forsooth his heart was sorely tried) 

He knew faint heart ne'er won fair maid 
And rushed to have the love-knot tied. 

But she upon Mendoca looked 
With heart inert, yet loyal still ; 

Although she strove to yearn for him — 
Her heart with love for him to fill. 

Canto Seven. 

Mohican often sought Madame, 
Together with his comrade new; 

They supped, conversed — this trio gay; 
In closer friendship yet they grew. 

What reason had this bold young man, 
Whose life had been so sadly wrecked. 

To fall in love with Lady Fair? — 

His love anew should now be checked. 



Ten THE DORA 

And far from giving up his friend, 
He hoped to quench this fire at last: 

Avoiding her, he hoped ere long 
His love to bury with the past. 

But difficult, Thedora nigh, 

He sought again his way to go ; — 

Mendoca urged him still remain, 

Thus heaping 'pon his heart more woe 

One day Mendoca called alone; — 
Thedora asked about his friend ; — 

He fain would not this friendship doubt, 
Yet words like these his heart must rend. 

And then he told in subtle truth 
(For thrice Mohican so had said), 

"My friend — your friend — is such no more — 
For soon our quandam friend will wed." 

H: « 4: « * 

Canto Eight. 

His heart unfit for such a bride. 

He dared not tender it to her. 
Nor separate his friend and love, 

Nor such a chosen troth deter. 

The days of springtime came and passed: 
They left their bitter-sweets at will ; 

Mohican suffered all this time, 
But yet he kept his promise still. 



T HE DOR A Eleven 



Canto Nine. 

One night Thedora sat alone— 
''Can I this doubt fore'er endure? 

"No, no," she mused; *'it cannot last; 
I'll hear him speak, then Til be sure." 

She penned a note, then posted it. 

She sighed : "And now I'll know my fate, 
For from his lips I'll have the truth— 

Which one shall be the source of hate." 

Canto Ten. 

Mohican came With crimson flush 

Thedora met her master heart ; 
"I never dreamed," she calmly said, 

Your love for HER should make us part — 

"Yet since you've met your fairy queen 
Your friendship I no longer know : 

Mendoca tells me you will wed, 

Yet still you should not treat ME so." 

Mohican answered, frank and free : 
"Surprising conduct, that, for me ; 

But force me not to justify, 
For satisfied you now must be." 

"Whatever that reason," she replied, 

"I must insist, in me confide ; 
Your sorrow or your happiness 

Is greater far than all beside." 



Twelve THEDORA 

"Mendoca told you,'* he began, 

'*What chased me from Castillian's shore; 
And coming hence with heart of stone, 

I wished to love the sex no more ; 

"Yet meeting you, my heart still full, 
I yielded then, but yet I fought; — 

You conquered me .... I still rebelled 

I gave the heart you had not sought/' 

Canto Eleven. 

Mohican rose and crossed the door — 
"I would you'd stay," Thedora said ; 

"You've told your secret unto me ; 
I own my heart's no longer dead; — 

"The happy day we chanced to meet 
(Tte day two foes you sought to part) , 

That day I count a happy one — 

That hour you won my saddened heart." 

"Thedora, fair ; I fain would go" 

(These words Mohican sadly spoke) ; 

"You cannot know how words like yours 
Cut deep a heart in thralldom's yoke .... 

"So good to me Mendoca's been, 
My gratitude I would not slay 

Adieu ! Adieu ! I cannot stay .... 
I love you .... 0, I must away." 



THEDORA Thirteen 

Canto Twelve. 

A woman's thought her will subserves, 
Condemn or break it if she must ; 

Coerce her, change her — ^bribe her, too; — 
A woman's thought her will can trust. 

Now, when Mohican left her side, 
Thedora's face with anger burned .... 

Upon the sea — that dear old home — 

Her taunting thoughts were thither 
turned 

Aurora broke upon the dawn 

And found her sad and pining still 

Her baggage packed, her servants dressed, 

She pondered still, then said : *'I will." 



Canto Thirteen. 

The night Mohican left his fair, 
With aching heart and heavy head, 

He did not find Mendoca home, 

So quickly, softly sought his bed .... 

Mendoca found his friend abed ; 

He held more doubts than tongue would 
tell; 
He straightway sought his silent room, 

And quickly into slumber fell ...» 



Fourteen T HE DOR A 

A pity 'twas they did not meet — ■ 

Confiding each his plight that night ; 

Then much that followed had not made 
What proved to be a tragic flight. 

Canto Fourteen. 

A week had passed. The friends arose 
And wandered forth their fast to break. 

"I learn/' at length Mendoca said, 
''Thedora's gone to Catlin's lake. — 

*' (Perhape 'tis done to punish me) . 

ni forthwith go and visit her — 
(And you must go along with me) : — 

You know Vm sad when she's not near." 

''I cannot go," Mohican said; 

"Do go alone, I conjure you." 
"I understand you not, my friend," 

Mendoca cried ; '*I doubt you, too." 

"I would conceal, I'm frank to own, 
A fact with which I'd naught to do : 

The yearning love that's felt by you 
Has left its impress on me, too." 

* :!: * * * 

''More reason, then, that you should go 
In search of her who's dear to both." 

"You press me much ; I go with you," 
Mohican said ; "though I am loth." 



THEDORA !;!^ 

Canto Fifteen. 

Sojourning now upon the coast, 

Thedora strolled along the shore ;— 

She struggled hard against stern fate:— ^^ 
''No more we'll meet— no more— no more. 

Mohican's story, sad and weird. 
Impressed itself upon her mind ; 

While thus engrossed bold pirates rose 
And rushed upon her from behind. 

The horde upon her quickly swayed, 
And soon securely was she bound;— 

A shriek brought forth her servants all, 
Who bravely fought and sought to wound . . 

As 'pon their shoulders broad they bore 
Thedora to their anchored boat 

The crew made haste to hie away,— 
But one lay sprawled upon the moat. 

Canto Sixteen, 

Loud veiling now is heard afar. . , . 

Two horsemen dash upon the scene:— 
Mendoca and Mohican cry, 

''What does this wild commotion mean r 

The scene was reached, but yet too late ; 

They saw the subject borne on board ; 
They spurred their steeds, and raised a yell. 

Provoking jeers from that wild horde 



Sixteen THE DOR A 

The servants tell the sad, sad tale: 
'Thedora's snatched by pirates bold.** 

The wounded man imparts this news : — 
"The chief is Pons"— de Pons of old. 

Canto Seventeen. 

The two were plunged in confHct deep: — 
They had but heard the shocking quip 

That Pons had stolen one they loved 
And put to sea in pirate ship. 

Ton pirate ship by wild men manned 

Thedora must in danger be ; — 
To man a boat and search the seas 

The two with firmness did agree. 

Canto Eighteen. 

They launched a yacht and gave Pons chase, 

But he possessed a ship so fast 
That it to view had soon been lost — 

Don Pons from sight had quickly passed. 

But steady on their course they steered, 
Both hoping still to trap their prey. . . . 

At length they spied a ship's sails furled— 
The ship of Pons — right in their way. 

"Ah, Pons, me bold ; we have you now." 
And to'ard him drove their fragile prow ; — 

A shout went up ... . then shots rang out — 
Asunder went their slender bow. 



THE DO R A Seventeen 



Canto Nineteen. 

A few were killed in this melee ; — 
Mohican seemed to suffer most ; 
. His vessel, shattered, sinking fast, 
f The waves had snatched him from his post. 

No longer able to pursue. 

This man is cast 'pon hands of fate ; — 
He's thrown upon a shattered spar 

To nurture sadly smothered hate. 
***** 

Mohican's washed upon a shore — 
Supine and weak, yet manly, brave. 

He suffers rescue to become 

Mohabbid's chosen, fav'rite slave. 

Canto Twenty. 

While gaily singing midst the shrubs, 
Mohican worked like days of yore; — 

''Heydey," his master said one day ; 

**rd have you sing those songs some 
more. — 

**Now, man," he urged ; 'Td have you know 
I A maid within my home does live. 

Who spurns my love — I'll free you, man. 
If she to me her love will give." 

"Kind master," shrewd Mohican said ; 

''Command me, sir, whate'er you may; 
I know not how I may succeed — 

I'll try as best I can this day." 



Eighteen THE DORA 

**Then to her room this minute go ;— 
ril see that none can hear what's said.— 

A Christian's she, and so are you, 
So say to her that her I'll wed." 



Canto Twenty-One. 

Mohican dubbed himself de Pons; 

Thedora likewise changed her name. — 
Mendoca'd learned that Pons was here, 

And thought 'twas Pons of hated fame .... 

He knew not that his friends were near, 
For he believed that all were drowned .... 

One hope remained — revenge on Pons 
And life's success would thus be crowned. 

Canto Twenty-Two 

Mohican went — the Pagan's wish — 
Within Thedora's private room — 

The two could not have been more shocked 
By freedom's yell or cannon's boom . . . 

The two embrace, then laugh with joy; 

They plan escape by ev'ry means; 
A kiss he presses 'pon her lips 

As calmly 'pon his breast she leans . . . 

''And now," he said; ''you do your part! 

The master claims you for his bride. 
You must encourage, yet deny — 

Nor yet forget I'm at your side." 



THEDORA Nineteen 



Canto Twenty-Three 

One day, as through the walks he strolled, 
Mohican met a Christian slave; 

'*My friend," said he, *1 ask your aid — 
Do help me now a lady save." 

**I know a man who rides the seas 
Whose aid for you I'll try to gain; 

If you've the means," the poor slave said, 
"He'll ship and land you 'cross the main/ 

Mohican promised for his fair 

A competence for slave and crew . . . 

Escape was certain — ^time was fixed — 
The moments softly, quickly flew . . . 

Canto Twenty-Four. 

As through the gates athwart the sea 
The lover captives swiftly drew — 

"Avaunt, de Pons ; I have you now" . . . 
Mendoca's sword the air cut through. 

Mohican fell; a gasp — a shriek; 

An upturned face gazed in the moon; — 
Mendoca saw; — fell on his sword; — 

Thedora, limp, dropped in a swoon . . . 

The slave and skipper took away 

The stricken mortals from the ground 

And placed them on the vessel's beds, 
And quickly were they seaward bound. 



Tiventy THE DOR A 



Canto Twenty-Five. 

Upon the vessel large and swift, 
Which carried homeward troubled hearts, 

There was a union true and tried 
Of those who suffered Cupid's darts. — 

Forsooth, Mendoca, dying, said: 

"Mohican, friend, I chanced that way; 

I heard de Pons — would leave — last night — 
'Twas he^ — not you — I sought — to slay." 

Thedora said: "Unhappy fate. — 
Don Alvaro de Pons is dead. — 

A pity that you knew it not 

Ere blood of innocents you shed.**. .. 

Canto Twenty-Six. 

The surgeon came upon the scene; 

He paused ; then felt each patient's heart : 
"Alas, Mendoca," said this man; 

"From loved ones you must needs soon 
part." 

Mendoca calmly looked about; 

"Come nearer — to me, — friends," he said ; 
"For death — ^approaches — even now — ; 

My dying — wish — is that — you wed. — 

"Mohican — , take — Thedora's — ^hand**. . . 

Mohican, by Thedora's side, 
Bent low his head, while all three prayed, — 

And thus the brave Mendoca died. 



T HE DOR A rwenty-One 

Cl)et)ora 

Dramatis Personae. 

Thedora, the young widow of a wealthy 
old man. 

Mohican, a young man who had left his 
native State because of marital troubles. 

Mendoca, a suitor for Thedora's hand, and 
later a friend of Mohican. 

DePons, also a suitor for Thedora's hand. 

Mohabbid, a slave holder. 

Doctor, Servants, Pirates. 



Argument : 
Canto I. 

Scene 1. — A handsome young man, upon a 
magnificently caparisoned horse, is riding 
leisurely along a highway. Deep thought is 
depicted upon his face. He is thinking of 
his brief married life, shattered by a friend 
who is base and an untrue wife. This mood 
is soon happily dispelled, for when he reaches 
the skirts of a dense woodland he is con- 
fronted by an object that attracts his entire 
attention. 

Scene 2. — A beautiful lady, notably in dis- 
tress, gets out of her carriage at a point near 



Twenty-Two T HE DOR A 

the same woodland. The young man arrives, 
dismounts and goes to her. He offers his 
assistance. His kindly offices are accepted. 

Canto II. 

Scene 1. — In a forest. Two men are fight- 
ing a duel with swords. Thedora and Mohi- 
can come upon the scene. Mohican rushes 
forward and stops the difficulty. Don Men- 
doca, one of the participants in the duel, 
then introduces the parties to one another 
and explains the cause of the difficulty. 

Canto III. 

Scene 1. — Thedora, at the request of Mohi- 
can, arbitrates the matter to the satisfaction 
of all save DePons, who leaves the scene in 
high dudgeon. Mendoca kneels before her 
and kisses her hand. She assists him to 
arise, then waves him aside. 

Canto IV. 

Scene 1,— Thedora, Mendoca and Mohican 
shake hands upon an agreement to be friends. 
The three depart toward the city. 

Scene 2. — The three arrive in the city, and 
again they shake hands. 

Canto V. 

Scene 1. — Mendoca and Mohican arrive at 
Mendoca's magnificent city home. 



THE DOR A Twenty-Three 

Scene 2. — In Mendoca's dining room. 
Mohican tells his heart troubles. Mutual 
assurances of friendship are made. 

Canto VI. 

Scene 1. — Thedora's home in the city. 
Mendoca and Mohican call. 

Scene 2. — Mendoca displays his infatua- 
tion. Thedora shows her preference for 
Mohican. 

Canto VII. 

Scene 1. — Mendoca and Mohican visit 
Thedora. They talk, laugh and enjoy them- 
selves. They are perceptibly happy. Mohi- 
can falls in love, and upbraids himself for 
his weakness. He notes that Mendoca is in 
love with Thedora and decides to withdraw 
so as not to interfere with his friend. 

Scene 2. — Mendoca calls alone on Thedora. 
She inquires about Mohican. Mendoca is 
plainly displeased. He tells her Mohican is 
to be married — at which piece of news she 
displays discomfiture. 

Canto VIII. 

Scene 1. — Mohican searches his heart and 
finds himself unfit for such a woman as 
Thedora. Nor would he come between his 
friend and the culmination of such a suitable 



Tiventy-Foiir THEDORA 

match. He suffers from an aching heart, 
but yet he keeps aloof from the one he dearly 
loves. 

Canto IX. 

Scene 1. — Thedora, seated beside a small 
table, in pensive thought. She draws writ- 
ing material toward her. Writing a note, 
she dispatches it to Mohican. 

Canto X. 

Scene 1. — Mohican, in answer to the note, 
calls upon Thedora. She takes him to task 
for neglecting her, even though he were to 
marry another. He acknowledges his love 
for her and starts away. 

Canto XI. 

Scene 1. — Thedora urges him to remain. 
She refers to the day they first met, and ac- 
knowledges that on that day he became her 
hero and won her heart. He reiterates his 
love for her, but, referring to his loyalty to 
his friend, breaks away and leaves. 

Canto XII. 

Scene 1. — Thedora is chagrined over Mohi- 
can's action, and traverses the floor in sup- 
pressed fury. Stopping abruptly, she calls a 
maid. She gives directions for packing and 
making ready for departure to the villa at 
the seaside. 



THE DOR A Twenty-Five 

Canto XIII. 

Scene 1. — Mohican returns to Mendoca's 
house. Seeing no one, he retires. 

Scene 2. — Mendoca returns. He sees 
Mohican in bed. He goes to his bedside, but 
refrains from disturbing him, and goes to 
his own room. 

Canto XIV. 

Scene 1. — Next morning Mendoca and 
Mohican leave home together. They are on 
their way to a restaurant to breakfast. 
Mendoca informs his friend that Thedora has 
gone to her home on the shores of Catlin's 
lake. Mendoca chides Mohican because he 
does not want to accompany him on a visit to 
Thedora, and acknowledges his love for her. 

Canto XV. 

Scene 1. — Thedora is walking along the 
seashore near her villa, in the meantime 
thinking of Mohican. In the background is 
a large vessel at anchor, and in the middle 
distance, behind Thedora, are a number of 
sailors stealing upon her. 

Scene 2.=The pirates fall upon her. A 
shriek from her brings forth her servants, 
who battle fiercely with the assailants, 
wounding one, who is left behind. 



Twenty-Six THE DOR A 

Canto XVI. 

Scene 1. — Same as XV. In the distance 
two horsemen are coming forward rapidly. 
They are Mendoca and Mohican. They ar- 
rive in time to be told that Thedora has been 
kidnaped by a pirate — a no less personage 
than their quandam friend DePons. 

Canto XVII. 

Scene 1. — The two are in deep conflict of 
mind. They deliberate excitedly. They de- 
cide to pursue the pirates. 

Canto XVIII. 

Scene 1. — Mohican and Mendoca secure a 
yacht and start in pursuit of the pirate ship. 
The big ship is so fast that it is soon lost to 
sight. 

Scene 2. — The two keep steadily on their 
way. At last they discover a vessel at 
anchor. They push forward, and at an op- 
portune moment drive into the big vessel 
and back off. 

Scene 3. — Before sinking, the big vessel 
fires a gun at the smaller one and tears away 
her prow. 

Canto XIX. 

Scene 1. — =0n the sea some dead bodies are 
observed, and some of the survivors are seen 
clinging to spars and other debris. 



T HE DOR A Twenty-Seven 

Scene 2. — Mohican is washed on the shore 
of an island and is picked up and becomes a 
slave. 

Canto XX. 

Scene 1. — Mohican is in a garden, and is 
happy. He is approached by Mohabbid, his 
owner, who enters into earnest conversation 
with him. He wants Mohican to talk to a 
Christian slave in Mohabbid's behalf, and 
Mohican agrees. 

Canto XXI. 

Scene 1. — On the island. By some peculiar 
freak of fate Mohican, in becoming a slave, 
took the name of Pons. Thedora and Men- 
doca had also been rescued, but neither knew 
that the others had been saved. Thedora, 
hearing the name of Pons, decided to change 
her name for fear de Pons had also survived. 
Mendoca's sole hope in life now was to 
escape and find de Pons and wreak ven- 
geance upon him. 

Canto XXII. 

Scene 1.— -Mohican, in accordance with 
directions from his master, goes to Thedora's 
room and knocks. 

Scene 2. — Mohican enters. Surprise is un- 
bounded. They embrace and converse and 
embrace again. 



Twenty-Eight T HE DOR A 

Canto XXIII. 

Scene 1. — Mohabbid's garden. Mohican 
meets a Christian slave. He seeks assist- 
ance. The Christian promises help and they 
shake hands. 

Canto XXIV. 

Scene 1. — At night. A gate overlooking 
the sea opens and Thedora and Mohican, fol- 
lowed by the Christian slave, steal stealthily 
through. 

Scene 2. — Mendoea emerges from the 
darkness and wounds Mohican with a sword 
thrust. Thedora swoons. Mendoea looks 
upon his fallen prey, and recognizing Mohi- 
can and Thedora, places the sword to his side 
and falls upon it. 

Scene 3. — The slave and skipper convey the 
bodies to the vessel in waiting and draw 
anchor. 

Canto XXV. 

Scene 1. — -Aboard vessel at sea. Thedora 
and Mohican, who had been but slightly 
wounded, about Mendoca's bedside. Men- 
doea explains that he had heard that de Pons 
v/as on the island, and it was for him for 
whom he laid in wait. 



THE DORA Tive^ty-Nine 

Canto XXVI. 

Scene 1.— The surgeon examines Mendoca 
and informs him that his wound is fatal. 
Mendoca calls Thedora and Mohican to him 
and places their hands in each other. He 
utters a few words, smiles and closes his 
eyes — ^forever. 



FINIS. 



I 




